Hierarchical document cross-reference system and method

Abstract

A hierarchical document cross-reference system comprises a document server computer remotely accessible by a user computer. The document server computer includes a database which stores the contents of a first document and a second document. The first document contains one or more segments and the second document contains one or more segments. Each segment is identified by a segment identifier. The document server computer also includes a module executable in the document server computer. The module is configured to receive a request to cross-reference the first document and the second document on a key phrase. The module searches the first document and the second document for the key phrase and identifies the segments in the documents containing the key phrase. The module then displays on the user computer a side-by-side display listing the segment identifiers for the identified segments. The segment identifiers for the identified segments in the first document containing the key phrase are displayed in a first list and the segment identifiers for the identified segments in the second document containing the key phrase are displayed in a second list. The user can subsequently select a segment identifier from each list and submit the segment identifiers for display. The module then displays the contents of each segment, with the key phrase highlighted in a distinct color or by other means.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of document cross-reference. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for the storage, retrieval, and cross-reference of documents.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The advent of text processing application programs has enabled the computer to become a viable tool for document creation and storage. A user is able to develop a document by entering the text comprising the document into the computer using such an application program. Typically, the document contents are stored on the computer in what is known as a file.[0005]In a business or government setting there are often generated a large number of documents which contain portions that relate to a common topic. These documents exist in electronic files, typically in a database maintained by the business or government organization. It is often necessary to find and compare, i.e. cross-reference, each discussion of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention hierarchically cross-references one or more documents stored on a computer. The hierarchical cross-reference allows a user to efficiently identify and view only those segments within the documents that contain a key phrase on which the documents are cross-referenced.

Problems solved by technology

This typically involves a laborious process of opening each electronic file and searching for the topic, either manually or by employing a search utility built into a word processing program.

This is a time-consuming and laborious process.

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